News / Bristol Zoo Project
Royal visit to Bristol Zoo Project
Bristol received a royal visit on Tuesday when the Duke of Edinburgh met volunteers, conservationists and animal keepers at Bristol Zoo Project.
Prince Edward, who has been a patron of Bristol Zoological Society since 2013, toured the zoo as staff prepared to reintroduce the gorilla troop to visitors.
The visit included a tribute to Jock, the UK’s oldest silverback gorilla who died two weeks after moving into the new habitat.
It came ahead of the public opening of the zoo’s new African Forest habitat on April 1.
Prince Edward, the youngest sibling of King Charles, visited the zoo on the outskirts of Bristol
The African Forest will house a variety of threatened species including critically endangered western lowland gorillas, endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys, critically endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, endangered African grey parrots and several highly threatened West African freshwater fish.
Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “The opening of African Forest marks a significant step in our vision for Bristol Zoo Project.
“Bristol Zoo Project is not a typical zoo.
“It is a conservation project with a powerful mission to protect threatened species and habitats.
“Rather than traditional enclosures, the site is being developed as an immersive conservation zoo, where visitors experience large, naturalistic habitats designed around the needs of wildlife.
“One of the most exciting features of African Forest is the opportunity to witness the unique interactions between species that share the same habitats in the wild.
“It’s their world on your doorstep.”
All photos: Bristol Zoo Project
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